Cerro Gordo County ISU Extension

🌧️ Unfortunately, today's Tasty Thursday featuring Monster Eats has been canceled due to the weather.

We're disappointed too—we were looking forward to some monstrously good food! But don't worry, Monster Eats will be back for a future Tasty Thursday, and we'll be sure to share the details when they're scheduled.

Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe in the weather. We can't wait to see you at our next Tasty Thursday! 🍔💜

🌽🚜 Join Us at the Northern Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day! 🚜🌽

Farmers, agronomists, and anyone interested in the latest agricultural research are invited to attend the Iowa State University Northern Research and Demonstration Farm Summer Field Day on Thursday, June 25, in Kanawha.

Topics will include:
🌾 Mid-to-late season oat production management
🌱 Herbicide injury demonstrations
☀️ Current growing season conditions and their impacts on crop growth and development

Registration and refreshments begin at 8:30 a.m., with the program starting at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided, and there is no cost to attend. Certified Crop Adviser continuing education credits will also be available.

This is a great opportunity to see research in action, connect with agricultural experts, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing this year's crop season.

Learn more and plan to attend:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/iowa-state-university-northern-research-and-demonstration-farm-hold-field-day-june-25

🎮 Is your child’s gaming world starting to feel more complicated than the games you grew up with?

Modern video games are more than just entertainment—they’re social spaces, digital marketplaces, and constantly evolving online experiences. Understanding how these games work can help parents guide their children while reducing household conflicts.

Instead of focusing only on screen time, try asking questions like:
✔️ Can players chat with strangers?
✔️ Does the game include virtual currency or in-game purchases?
✔️ Are there natural stopping points?

One simple tip: Spend just 10 minutes watching your child play or asking them what they enjoy about the game. Building understanding can go a long way toward creating positive conversations about gaming. 🎮💬

Learn more about navigating the complex world of modern gaming and discover practical parenting strategies from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/beyond-screen-navigate-complex-world-modern-gaming-smart-parenting

🌸 Clematis: The Queen of Vines 🌸

Looking to add stunning color and vertical interest to your landscape? Clematis may be the perfect choice! With hundreds of varieties available, these beautiful flowering vines can bloom from spring through fall and thrive in Iowa gardens. They love sunny locations, cool roots, and a sturdy structure to climb. 🌿

Whether you're training them up a trellis, fence, mailbox, or arbor, clematis can provide years of beautiful blooms with the right care. Many varieties are reliable performers in Iowa, offering flowers in shades of purple, pink, blue, white, and more.

Learn more about selecting, planting, and caring for clematis in your home garden:
🌼 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/growing-clematis-home-garden

Just a heads up! 📢

Our office will be closed Tuesday, June 9, from 12:00–4:30 PM as our staff will be out assisting with programming.

Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to serving you when we return!

Hey everyone! I’m Adriane Hurlburt, one of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Rising Star interns for Cerro Gordo County this summer, alongside Megan Fechter! Megan and I will be sharing updates throughout the summer to keep you posted on what we’ve been up to.
We’ve had a great first three weeks here in Mason City, learning more about what ISU Extension and Outreach does, especially here in Cerro Gordo County.
One of our first opportunities was spending time with the John Adams Middle School (JAMS) 4-H Club at their final after-school meeting of the year. We visited a local greenhouse where members learned about different types of flowers and succulents and even planted their own arrangements in buckets! It was so fun to see everyone excited to explore the greenhouse and get hands-on with planting. Of course, Megan and I had to join in on the fun too!
We also helped with the first JAMS 4-H summer meeting, where members visited the Fossil & Prairie Center and learned what Iowa was like during the Devonian period.
Another highlight was attending our first Fresh on Friday event at Central Gardens of North Iowa, where we shared information about backyard poultry farming and helped kids make seed germination necklaces. We’re excited to continue working on our 4-H Club and poultry projects and look forward to sharing more throughout the summer!

🚜 NC Iowa Agronomy Connection Newsletter – Vol. 13, Issue 7 🌱

The latest NC Iowa Agronomy Connection Newsletter is now available! Stay up to date with timely agronomy information, crop management insights, and current field conditions impacting North Central Iowa producers.

Whether you're monitoring crop development, managing pests, evaluating nutrient needs, or keeping an eye on weather impacts, this newsletter provides research-based information to help support your farming decisions throughout the growing season.

📖 Read the latest issue here:
https://mailchi.mp/mail.iastate.edu/nc-iowa-agronomy-connection-newsletter-vol-13-issue-7

🌽 Have you subscribed yet? The NC Iowa Agronomy Connection Newsletter delivers timely agronomic updates directly to your inbox throughout the growing season.

🍔👾 Tasty Thursday is Back! 👾🍔

Get ready to satisfy your cravings with Monster Eats food truckat our next Tasty Thursday!

📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Cerro Gordo County ISU Extension and Outreach
601 S Illinois Ave, Mason City

Take a lunch break and stop by for some monstrously good food! Whether you're a longtime fan or trying Monster Eats for the first time, you won't want to miss it.

Bring your coworkers, friends, and appetite—we'll see you there! 🍽️🔥

Happy Fresh on Friday! Central Gardens of North Iowa
Come see us Fridays this summer 9:00 to 11:30 AM!


ISU Rising Star Internship
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

🚚🔥 Join Us Today! 🔥🚚

Today's Tasty Thursday feature is JANEY'S HEART ATTACK SHACK

Stop by for a delicious lunch, afternoon snack, or dinner and enjoy some amazing food from a local favorite.

📍 Cerro Gordo County ISU Extension and Outreach
📍 601 S Illinois Ave, Mason City
⏰ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Bring your friends, coworkers, and family—we'll see you there! ❤️🍔🌭